Lincoln FGS PAPR Filters (VIKING) — KP3935-1 Pre-Filter 6-Pack for VIKING 3350 / 3250D

Lincoln FGS PAPR Filters (VIKING) overview

The Lincoln FGS PAPR Filters (VIKING), part KP3935-1, is a 6-pack of pre-filters for Lincoln Electric VIKING powered air-purifying respirators — the VIKING 3350, 3350 XG and 3250D FGS PAPRs. The pre-filter captures large and medium particulate first — grinding dust, coarse fume and spatter — so it doesn't load the fine HE filter, which extends HE filter life and helps keep airflow up in heavy welding work. See our best PAPR respirator systems guide and the PAPR filters collection.

The one thing to be clear on: KP3935-1 is the pre-filter, not the HE (HEPA) filter. The HE filter is the high-efficiency stage that does the fine particulate filtration and provides your protection; the pre-filter is a coarse first stage that protects and extends it. So you need a working HE filter in the PAPR for protection — the pre-filter just makes it last longer — and the HE filter assembly is a separate part you stock alongside these. Note too that these are particulate filters (welding fume, dust), not for gases or vapors, and they're a consumable for the VIKING PAPR system, not a standalone respirator. For choosing a PAPR helmet, see our PAPR welding helmet guide.

Where the Lincoln FGS PAPR Filters (VIKING) fit

They're the high-turnover consumable for welders and fabricators running a VIKING 3350, 3350 XG or 3250D FGS PAPR in dusty, high-fume work — the pre-filter is cheap insurance that keeps grinding dust and coarse fume off the pricier HE filter. Where they're not the answer is as a replacement for the HE filter (that's a separate part), a gas or vapor hazard (needs a gas-rated approach), or any low-oxygen or confined-space atmosphere, which needs a supplied-air respirator from our respiratory protection range. Pair the PAPR with the right welding helmet and welding gloves, and read when do you need a respirator and our PAPR hoods and headtops guide to round out the system.

Pros & cons

Specifications

Related guides

• Best PAPR respirator systems
• Best PAPR welding helmet
• Best PAPR hoods and headtops
• When do you need a respirator
• Respiratory protection

Related resources

• PAPR respirator filters
• PAPR cartridges
• Welding respirators
• Welding helmets
• Shop respirator filters & cartridges

Frequently asked questions

Is KP3935-1 the HE (HEPA) filter or the pre-filter?

It's the pre-filter, in a 6-pack. The pre-filter captures large and medium particulate to protect and extend the life of the separate HE (high-efficiency / HEPA) filter — it is not the HE filter itself, and it isn't a substitute for it. Most VIKING PAPR users stock both.

Does the pre-filter provide the actual respiratory protection?

No — the HE (HEPA) filter does the fine particulate filtration that protects you; the pre-filter is a coarse first stage that keeps the HE filter from clogging as fast. You need a working HE filter in the PAPR for protection; the pre-filter just makes it last longer.

Which PAPRs does it fit?

Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350, 3350 XG and 3250D FGS powered air-purifying respirators. Confirm your PAPR model before ordering, since filters aren't interchangeable across different PAPR brands or systems.

What does the pre-filter actually do?

It sits ahead of the HE filter and traps the larger and medium-sized particles — grinding dust, spatter, coarse fume — so they don't load the fine HE filter. That extends HE filter life and helps keep airflow up in dusty, high-particulate welding work.

Does it filter gases or vapors?

No — this is particulate filtration only. A PAPR pre-filter and HE filter capture welding fume and dust, not gases or vapors. If your process produces a gas or vapor hazard, that needs a different, gas-rated approach, not a particulate filter.

How often should I replace the pre-filter?

More often than the HE filter, since it takes the brunt of the coarse particulate. Replace it when it's visibly loaded or airflow drops, and follow Lincoln Electric's guidance for your PAPR — a 6-pack is meant to keep spares on hand for frequent changes.

Is a PAPR filter a respirator by itself?

No — it's a consumable for the VIKING PAPR blower-and-helmet system. The PAPR unit, battery, breathing tube and helmet or hood provide the protection; the filters are the part you replace to keep it working.

How many pre-filters are in the pack?

Six. Pre-filters are inexpensive, high-turnover consumables, so a 6-pack keeps a supply ready for regular changes rather than running the HE filter unprotected.

Is the HE filter sold separately?

Yes — the HE (HEPA) filter assembly is a separate part from this pre-filter. Because they wear at different rates, they're stocked and replaced separately; keep both on hand so you're never running the PAPR without a fresh HE filter.

Are these genuine Lincoln Electric parts?

KP3935-1 is Lincoln Electric's own VIKING PAPR pre-filter part number. Using the manufacturer's specified filters keeps the PAPR performing and rated as designed — off-spec filters can compromise fit and filtration.

Can I use the PAPR in oxygen-deficient or confined-space air?

No — a PAPR is an air-purifying respirator, which needs a breathable atmosphere to filter. It is never for low-oxygen or immediately life-threatening atmospheres; those require a supplied-air respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus per your respiratory-protection program.

Do they handle welding fume?

Yes — the HE filter captures welding-fume particulate, and the pre-filter extends its life in heavy fume and grinding work. Match the PAPR and filters to your process and follow your site's respiratory-protection plan.

Reviewed by Steven Eaton, WC Safety. Specifications reflect Lincoln Electric's published data for KP3935-1, the VIKING PAPR pre-filter (6-pack) for VIKING 3350, 3350 XG and 3250D FGS PAPRs; it is a coarse pre-filter that extends the separate HE filter's life, filters particulate not gases, and a PAPR is never for low-oxygen or immediately dangerous atmospheres — follow your respiratory-protection program.